The Relationship by Laura Ferris

The Relationship
By Laura Ferris

Relationships are tough to define. Why are two people attracted to each other in a way that is unique to each of them and unduplicated with others? One of the finest and most unique relationships is that between the young and an elderly person. The people who are blessed to have such a relationship are given such gifts. Our grandson and neighbor at the lake have been given such a gift.
I don’t know what it was that started their friendship; it’s so improbable. It could have been following the day Jacob, at age 7, pronounced our neighbor “the smartest man in the world”. Larry, our 92 year old neighbor, loved it! This pronouncement came after Jacob had found a white marble at the bottom of the lake while he was swimming with goggles. He brought the marble to me, stating he was sure it was some kind of animal/fish egg. When I looked closely, it was apparent that it was simply a marble, but Jacob did not want to accept that answer and boldly announced he was going to take it to Mr. Larry’s, because, “you know, Mr. Larry is the smartest man in the world. He knows everything about the lake.” And so he did take it to Mr. Larry. Larry, to his credit, didn’t fabricate an answer but instead gently explained to Jacob that it was, indeed, a marble. Somehow it was much easier for Jacob to accept with Larry doing the explaining. And, this simple answer did nothing to dissuade Jacob that Larry was without a doubt, the smartest man in the world.
Sometime following this encounter, Jacob again made an interesting discovery. While he and his cousins were swimming, they found literally hundreds of floating jellylike masses in the shallow areas of our shore. Convinced again they had truly discovered something unique, Jacob persuaded his cousins to capture one of the jelly masses in a bucket and of course, take it to Larry. This time Jacob’s belief in Larry’s wisdom was rewarded. The masses were a rarely seen freshwater form of jellyfish that Larry said he had not seen for many years at the lake. He assured the kids that the jelly masses were not dangerous and they had hours of fun, collecting them and watching them slowly float through the water.
Over time Jacob learned to respect Larry’s boundaries and property. He diligently asks Larry’s permission to run through his property playing “Capture the Flag” with his cousins or soccer in the field. Larry solemnly gives his permission and reminds Jacob to be careful, look out for the potholes and beat the adults. Then he slowly retires to his porch where he has a bird’s eye view of the game and can enjoy the commotion and activity around him.
Each of these encounters has served to solidify the awe which Jacob feels for Larry’s wisdom and wealth of knowledge. And, each incident gives support for Larry’s belief in Jacob’s wonderment and joy of discovery in the world surrounding him at the lake. Now, Jacob eagerly runs to Larry’s house upon arrival at the lake. They discuss all matters of importance and make plans for what Larry can teach him in the coming seasons at the lake. Larry now asks about Jacob each time we arrive at the lake and Jacob is not there. Just as Jacob is completely convinced of Larry’s all encompassing wisdom and knowledge, so is Larry’s conviction that Jacob is unusually bright and invested in his world. Their joy in each other’s gifts cannot be overstated. What a great friendship they have together despite their 83 year age gap.